Sebastian Denef, Tobias Dyrks, Leonardo Ramirez, Sebastian Denef, Berthold Penkert, & Daniel Meyer. (2009). Designing for firefighters-building empathy through live action role-playing. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we present a role-playing workshop in a firefighting scenario conducted within the frame of a multidisciplinary consortium. Our work focuses on developing a navigation ubicomp infrastructure leveraging the cognitive skills of firefighters. Technology for navigation must understand existing navigation practices in order to provide adequate support. To deal with the complexity of this process, we use a participatory design approach based on a strong synergy among partners. We argue that a key aspect for the creation of this synergy is the construction of a bond of empathy allowing technology experts to understand the needs of the users of technology and also allowing firefighters to understand the role and activities of technology developers in the process. We present an account of the workshop conducted and some insights of the role that this method can play for complex, multidisciplinary teams working on developing safety-critical technology.
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Lisa Fern, Stoney Trent, & Martin Voshell. (2008). A functional goal decomposition of urban firefighting. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 305–314). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we describe a functional goal decomposition of urban firefighting as part of a larger cognitive task analysis. Previous research indicates that firefighter decision strategies employ a pattern-matching technique that allows them to choose the first workable option based on similar previous experiences. This study builds upon this research by employing multiple cognitive task analysis methods to further examine firefighter decisions through a functional goal decomposition. The functional goal decomposition outlines the functions, decisions and information requirements of firefighting in terms of two overarching goals-save lives and protect property. Information requirements provide useful insight into the difficulties of firefighter decision-making. Though still in the preliminary stages, this project has generated a number of design recommendations to support urban firefighting. Future analyses are also discussed.
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Joske M. Houtkamp, & Frank A. Bos. (2007). Evaluation of a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 565–570). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Artesis Virtual and VSTEP BV developed a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. We evaluated the usability of the training application and measured the satisfaction of 53 trainees. The trainees were positive about the training application, the training itself, and the interaction with the interface. We observed that trainees experienced navigation difficulties and sometimes misjudged visual information. Evaluations of new versions of this application, should address the influence of interface problems on performance.
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Jose M. Nadal-Serrano. (2010). Towards very simple, yet effective on-the-go incident response preplanning: Using publicly-available GIS to improve firefighters' traditional approach. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Incident response preplanning has an increasing importance in today's Fire Brigades incident response. This paper presents some concepts that could be easily applied, supplying the firefighters with a simple, yet reliable tool that can be configured to include data available at the time of resource activation. This early information and the route map to the incident can be of big help for firefighters if presented in a convenient way. Offline (paper) backup solutions and the need for APIs that may be used to exploit geographic data are also discussed. Finally, a proof of concept setup is developed using GoogleMaps[TM] for the case of the City of Madrid, Spain.
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Jens Pottebaum, Anna Maria Japs, Stephan Prödel, & Rainer Koch. (2010). Design and modeling of a domain ontology for fire protection. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The semantics of things represent the central problem of the heterogeneous domain of emergency response. Both the communication between human actors and the interface between information systems face this hurdle with high impact on the efficiency in mission and time critical command and control processes. The integration of applications and information sharing based on semantic technologies promise added value for a solution to this problem. Therefore a model of the domain is essential; this paper contributes a domain ontology for fire protection. The scientific discussion as well as expert interviews built the basis for a new modeling approach. The selection of ontology languages is one of the important design issues presented in this paper.
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Markus Quaritsch, Robert Kuschnig, Hermann Hellwagner, & Bernard Rinner. (2011). Fast aerial image acquisition and mosaicking for emergency response operations by collaborative UAVs. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have recently gained a lot of interest for various applications such as surveillance, environmental monitoring and emergency response operations. These battery-powered and easy-to-steer aerial robots are equipped with cameras and can promptly acquire aerial images. In this paper we describe our system of multiple UAVs that are able to fly autonomously over an area of interest and generate an overview image of that area. Intuitive and easy user interaction is a key property of our system: The user specifies the area of interest on an electronic map. The flight routes for the UAVs are automatically computed from this specification and the generated overview is presented in a Google-Earth like user interface. We have tested and demonstrated our multi-UAV system on a large fire service drill. Our system provided a high-resolution overview image of the 5.5 ha large test site with regular updates, proved that it is easy to handle, fast to deploy, and useful for the firefighters.
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Marcel Van Berlo, Richelle Van Rijk, & Eric F. T. Buiël. (2005). A PC-based virtual environment for training team decision-making in high-risk situations. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 195–200). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Live team training of firefighters has several disadvantages. Firstly, it is costly because many team members and training staff are involved. Secondly, not all team members have the same competency level, and some individuals may just not be ready to train in a team context. Thirdly, live training in high-risk situations is difficult and dangerous. Consequently, critical situations can not be trained adequately. Following a scenario-based and a rapid prototyping approach, we are designing and developing a pc-based virtual training environment to train individual firefighters in making decisions in a team context operating in high-risk situations. This individual training program can better prepare the firefighters for live training, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of these team-training exercises. In this paper we describe the training-method, we outline how this is technologically implemented and discuss how we are planning to test the prototype.
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